Abstract

Introduction: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is usually seen in young, male smokers. Pathophysiology of PSP remains unclear, also the number of research concerning emotional status are scarce. The aim of this study is to investigate psychological factors associated with PSP.

Method: Participants were recruited from male patients who admitted to department of thoracic surgery outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of PSP in an education and research hospital. Beck depression inventory (BDI), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), state–trait anger expression inventory (STAXI), state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) were administered respectively to all patients.

Results:Twenty five patients and 25 healthy controls were included in this study. Mean age of patient group was 24.80± 5.77 years, of control group was 26.76 ± 6.78 years and difference was not significant (p=0.277). The weight and body mass index of the patient group significantly lower than the control group respectively. Mean BAI scores in patient and control group was 12.28 ±12.65 and 5.84±6.91 respectively. Anxiety levels were not different in two group (p=0.97). Mean BDI score of patients and control group were 9.12±9.93, 5.24±5.61 respectively but the difference was insignificant (p=0.32). When anger structures of the groups were compared, state anger subscale was higher in patient group but was insignificant(p=0.491). Trait anxiety scores were higher in patient group, but not differ significantly (p=0.71).

Conclusion: This preliminary report of our study does not indicate any significant difference between the patient and healthy control. But we continue to recruit patients for enlarging our sample that would give more precise results.